Central African Republic Update

Approximately 2.5 million people out of a total population of 4.6 million are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and more than 487,600 people live in registered Internally Displaced People’s (IDPs) camps. Many other victims of the crisis, having lost their homes and possessions, are hiding in the bush. Some have returned to their homes, only to find their homes looted of all their possessions, their seed stores destroyed and their crops ruined.

Farmers need a minimum of four tools (rake, watering can, spade and hoe) but in the baseline assessment it was observed that only 5% of households have three types of tools, 10% have only one tool and 26% of households have no tools at all.

Bishops’ Appeal has supported the provision of tools, agricultural and nutrition training and seeds for returning refugees.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour."- Luke 4, vs 18 & 19 (NRSV)